Examines theories of political economy in their embedded social, historical, and cultural contexts to address relevant contemporary questions about economics in everyday life. Compares multiple theories of political economy, such as (Neo)classical, (Neo)Keynesian, Marxist, and heterodox economics to explore theories of power, institutions, distribution, and collective action.

Explores the sociology of the American family, including: family change through American history; poverty and family life; alternative families (including single-by-choice parenting and gay marriage), and the effects of marriage and divorce on the lives of adults and children.

This course examines both Russian and American foreign policy at several critical points during the conflict. Through major scholarly works, primary documents, films, class discussions, papers, and lectures students will work together to better understand the Cold War and gain a fuller understanding of its political, military, cultural, economic, and ideological impact at home and abroad. The following questions will be explored: 1) How did the Cold War start?; 2) What were some of the important decisions made during the conflict, and why?; 3) Why did the Cold War end the way it did?

Optional Thesis for Echols Interdisciplinary Majors

Explores the process of creating and managing new ventures. Studies how to evaluate new opportunities, the early growth of the enterprise, the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, and venture capital investment.

This course addresses major topics dealing with the phenomenon known as 'globalization' - the ever spreading reduction of barriers to the exchange of goods services, and ideas across national borders. The method of exploration will involve reading a combination of classical and contemporary works (some books, some articles) from leaders and thinkers grappling with globalization, and its various ripple effects and challenges. Revolving around core themes of responsibility and community, democracy and culture, and prosperity and poverty in the age of globalization, readings will include works from Plato, Thucydides, Milton Friedman, Peter Singer, Thomas Friedman, Moises Naim, Robert Kaplan, Bernard Lewis, Aung San Suu Kyi, Salman Rushdie, and Amartya Sen.

Required Thesis for Interdisciplinary majors.

Required Thesis for Interdisciplinary majors.

Citizen Leaders Fellowship Practicum is a short course paired with the year-long Citizen Leaders Fellowship. This course equips students with ethnographic and contemplative practices to develop their understanding of difference, belonging and ethical leadership. It also provides mentorship, support, and guidance as fellows design, implement, and assess a semester-long project based on their own vision for student flourishing.

After successful completion of Capstone I, students pursue independent research into a topic of their choice, based on their academic, or professional, or personal interests and write a substantial paper that reflects a deep understanding of the topic and do an oral presentation.